Back to Simplicity

 

When I think of the world today I think of chaos, messes and just a lot of stuff. I don't know if it is the fact that I am getting older, maturing, or going through my grandparent's belonging that has me thinking. It is probably a mixture of both. I miss the quiet and simple life. I am so blessed to have grown up on a farm. It instilled in me a work ethic that many do not have. I am happiest when I am in my garden, walking among the chickens, or in my kitchen putting up food for winter. 

 The above picture is the farm I grew up on in the southern tier of New York. The barn in the picture is no longer there. It burnt a long time ago. But oh there are so many memories for me on this piece of property. From all of the work that goes into running a farm, to the family celebrations we had, sitting at the counter watching my Grandmother cook, sitting at the same counter watching my Mother and Aunt can up our garden produce. 

I often think of the view out of the door at the farmhouse. Just miles and miles of dirt roads just waiting for me to explore. OH how I wish I could return to that way of life. I love my job, but I really desire to be at home taking care of my family in all the ways a wife and mother should be doing. 

So instead of wishing for things in my life to change, I decided that I would do what I could to try and get a little bit of simplicity back into our lives. I have drastically limited my time on social media. I have not opened Facebook or Instagram in a week. Let me tell you I already feel SO much better. I was becoming so envious of those that were living the life I dream of having again. It was really causing me to sin with envy. I also find I have so much more time to do what I enjoy. Blogging is one of those things. Yes my blog is pretty much old school but also shows simplicity. I am anxiously awaiting the replacement lens for my camera. My 50mm lens was dropped and broke. So I sent it away to be repaired. I should have it in my hands soon! Photography has been such an outlet for me. I can just wander around taking pictures forgetting everything going on around me. 

You will be seeing a lot more of the things here that bring me joy and peace. I am excited to be putting in a good size garden this year. I hope to get a lot of produce put up this year. I am digging out my trusty canners to help me with this task. I plan on canning salsa, pickled garlic, tomato sauce, pizza sauce, pepper jelly, raspberry jelly, dandelion jelly, and a number of pickles. I am getting excited just thinking about it. It has been about 10 years since I have done any canning or gardening. 

My pray is that one day soon I will be able to give up the corporate world and be back doing what I was truly created for. Worshiping God (which I already do!) and living a life of simplicity. Which I can do now as well.